A famous American writer whose legacy of classic novels lives on to this very day, the renowned author Laura Ingalls Wilder was one of the most influential writers of her time. Leaving behind an extensive backlog of work, she is well known for her extremely well received children’s fiction that live on, with more and more young readers continuing to discover her work. With a keen eye for detail, she was an astute observer of human behavior who had a gift for making her stories instantly accessible to millions of readers worldwide. One such series, for which she is perhaps best known, is that of her ‘Little House’ series, and is one which has a timeless quality, despite being set in a different era. Featuring tales of the Ingalls family, this series worked as a set of autobiographical novels charting the life of the family throughout the early 1800’s following them through the generations. With its ever enduring appeal, it still manages to capture the attention of audiences to this day, as the characters and their struggles are easy to relate to and resonate with their readers on a basic and very real human level.

Worked over in numerous iterations, the most famous of which being the television series ‘Little House on the Prairie’, running from 1974 to 1983. Spanning over nine seasons during its nine year run, it starred Melissa Gibert as Laura Ingalls and Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls. Leaving a legacy all of its own, this much loved TV show has also left an indelible mark on the industry, just as much as that of its namesake.

Little House in the Big Woods

First published in 1932, this was the novel that started an industry, creating one of the best loved American series to date. With some memorable moments and iconic characters, it truly has become a classic novel that’s stood the test of time over the years. Setting up what was to come, this first instalment works at establishing the setting and building up a sense of what’s to follow in the future titles.

Set in pretty much the latter part of the nineteenth century, it takes place in Wisconsin, following the Ingall family’s settlement there. Over time it has become so much a part of the area that landmarks have been created there to commemorate the events of the novel. Autobiographical as well, it really capture a feel for the land, with the environment being just as much a character as anyone else. With a colorful cast of characters largely inspired from real life, in both namesake and temperament, it capture each of their traits perfectly, ingraining them in the readers mind. The author and sister Laura Ingalls is young here, as it charts her early years in the family alongside her sibling Carrie Ingalls, as they work together whilst growing up. Their parents, Caroline and Charles Ingalls, are also a strong presence in the novels, bringing up the sisters, whilst contending to the everyday reality of settling themselves.

Deep within the big woods of Wisconsin is a log cabin where the Ingalls family have recently settled, looking to make a new life for themselves after journeying there. Surrounded by all manner of wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and even panthers, there’s no end to the shortage of dangers that they must struggle with if they hope to survive. As well as doing their chores, the two sisters Laura and Carrie go exploring the countryside with ever trusty and faithful dog Jack always at their side. How will they cope with the daily struggles of living out in the wilderness? Will they be able to come together and survive as a family? What awaits them beyond the little house in the big woods?

Little House on the Prairie

With the name that the television show took its title from, this was to be the second book in the series following on directly from the first. Initially published in 1935 it’s seen many reissues over the years, along with the many other titles in the series as a whole. Detailing the next part of the Ingall family’s journey, it manages to carry on in much the same vein as before, making it another timeless edition to the series.

Moving the action on, it manages to build upon the environment of the previous one, as the narrative follows the Ingalls family forwards. The location of the prairie itself is perhaps what its most famous for, providing a sense of time and place that’s entirely specific to the area. Once again Laura Ingalls, the author, manages to capture the essence of their home and works it in as it’s a character in of itself. This time moving on from the big woods, the family heads onto the prairie where they hope to start afresh, and continue to live happily in safety. Here they meet Indians who are neighbouring them, deal with a major fire, and even manage to build a well, all whilst surviving and overcoming the constant obstacles of living there. Will they find contentment in their new home? Can they get along with their new neighbors? What awaits them at the little house on the prairie?

The Little House Series

Becoming a global phenomena not just during its initial run, but over the intervening years as well, the legacy of the Little House series lives on. Seeing many adaptations and, not just the American television version, but also seeing a Japanese anime version too with ‘Laura, the Prairie Girl’ in 1975, it went on to become a worldwide hit. With a British telling of it too on the programme ‘Jackanory’ in 1966 and 1968, it really does have an enduring appeal that transcends borders throughout the ages. Running for over nine books in total for its original run, there were a number of spin-off series as well, some by the author and some written after she had passed away. This cements its reputation as one of the most enduring franchises in America to date, not just providing a window into the past, but showing an insight into human nature itself. This is legacy is expected to continue for some time yet, as its ever enduring appeal continues on into the foreseeable future.

Jack Reacher is back! Personally I thought this was the 2nd best Reacher book yet. The latest book in the Jack Reacher series, Past Tense, came out November 5th. Family secrets come back to haunt Reacher when he decides to visit the town his father was born in. Why? Because when he visits there he finds out no-one with the last name of Reacher has ever lived there. It leaves him wondering - did his father ever live there? More Details.

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Featured Series

One of my favourite series is the Brilliance Saga by Marcus Sakey and it is our featured series of the month. It's just an incredible light sci-fi series that fans of "Dark Matter" would also enjoy. It's free on Kindle Unlimited too! More Details.

Featured Author

Our author of the month is Canadian author Opal Carew who writes erotic romance novels. Opal has written over 100 novels with multiple book series such as the Dirty Talk series and the Abducted series. If you’re a fan of erotic romance, be sure to check out Opal Carew.

Did You Know…

There was a strong possibility that we would never have got a classic book such as The Da Vinci Code. Author Dan Brown was a pop musician initially, and even relocated to Hollywood in an attempt to continue that career. However his kids version of electronic music never caught on, and he ended up becoming an author.